Expect you remember your first-grade teacher.
Back then we still had movable desks, a tabletop that opened for books and supplies, plus an inkwell, top right. Hamlin Texas Grammar School made use of what they had.
Some of my classmates skipped days when they helped pick cotton. Because I was born in October, I had to wait until September to start first grade. I was the largest boy in Miss Mae James’ first grade.
Age also delayed Ida Frances entry into first grade. Her ‘Uncle Heavy’ worked in oilfield supply with ‘Red’ my Dad. We sat across from each other on the back row. The youngsters tee-heed we were sweethearts. What were we whispering to each other? Miss Mae James moved us and our desks to the front.
She taught us our ABCs. We learned to count numbers. Dad was the one who told me about the war in Europe, five years before Pearl Harbor. Mom helped Miss Mae James teach obedience. She made me go outside and cut the ‘switch’.
Miss Mae James taught me in first grade, and I remember well.
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